I hear alot of reservations here... and I pretty much agree. But I was mainly concerned with the water pooling on top of the plants around the central cone, I'm willing to risk the extended cold and wet soil conditions, although I'm sure it's a risk. I do not discount what is being said here.
I purchased these Agaves from a local nursery whose owner told me that his entire Agave stock in pots remains outdoors unprotected all winter. I find that a little difficult to believe but I don't know what he would have to gain by lying about that. He told me the cultivars he carries will be OK as long as I had adequate drainage, which I do. But the water sitting on top gave me additional concern.
My Truncata did fine last winter but I had it in a pot and kept it next to the house, dry under the eve. Now it's out in the rain.
Whatever happens, I will report the results here next Spring.
I chose JC Raulston because of this local person (below) who says it comes through winter for her unscathed. She grows tons of Agaves outdoors in Portland with mixed results.
http://www.thedangergarden.com...